In India, May is the hottest month of the year! It’s also the time of year when the majority of North India is suffering from severe heat strokes, and any place colder is seen as a welcome relief. Summer vacation for children begins in May and June, which means another exciting holiday is on the horizon. May and June are popular tourist months in India, and what better place to escape the heat than the northeast, which remains cool even in the height of summer amidst the lush Himalayan highlands.

The aforementioned explains Sikkim’s popularity in May! And then there’s Sikkim, soaking up the last rays of a lovely winter, adorned by a dazzling morning mist, and preparing for a flurry of festivities.

Namchi

Namchi, the seat of Sikkim’s south region, is proud to be known as the state’s recognised cultural hub. Here, vibrant nature is harmoniously integrated with tourist attractions, which primarily support cultural and religious tourism. While there are many beautiful vistas to be seen, you can also spend some quality time out there visiting popular tourist destinations such as Guru Padmasambhava’s statue, a copy of India’s Char Dhams, and a magnificent township area with a large park. Namchi, located at 5500 feet above sea level, is a renowned tourist destination in Sikkim.

Jorethang

Jorethang, an important city in Sikkim, is 92 kilometres from New Jalpaiguri on the Darjeeling-Pelling road. There are a variety of bus and jeep alternatives accessible from Kalimpong and Siliguri to travel to Jorethang by road. From the nearest major cities like Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Siliguri it is well connected by buses, jeeps, and private taxis. Located on the banks Rangeet River – a tributary of Teesta, Jorethang is tucked in the foothills of the mighty Himalayas.

Popular tourist attractions in Jorethang in May: Maghe Mela celebrated in January at the time of Makar Sankranti, hot water spring nearby, and adventure activities like trekking and rafting

Ravangla

Ravangla, in southwest Sikkim, is a completely distinct world of serenity and quiet, with the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Kanchenjunga in the background adding to the overall enchantment of the location. Ravangla has it all, whether you want to marvel at the verdant Sikkimese landscape or embark on a hunt for gushing waterfalls, quaint towns, or scenic tea plantations.

Ravangla is also a must-see destination in south Sikkim because of its ethnic Sikkimese culture, old monasteries, and beautiful scenery.

Bonn Monastery, Ralang Monastery, the mediaeval market of Kewzing, and intriguing caves at Ravangla are popular tourist sites in May.

Tendong Hill

Tendong Hill, towering 8530 feet above Damthang and home to Buddhist Lamas for generations, is a major tourist attraction in South Sikkim. Because of the surrounding tranquillity and unparalleled silence, the hill is a peaceful retreat for all nature lovers. Namtse, the South Headquarters town, is nearby by and serves as Tengdong’s main point of contact.

To get here, travellers must trek 13 kilometres from Damthang, which appears to be the only way to access the Tengdong hills. The climb is surrounded by lush nature and abundant foliage, making it one of Sikkim’s most beautiful treks.

Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary

May is an ideal month to visit Maenam Wildlife Sanctuary because of its abundant natural beauty and diverse species. The Maenam Fauna Sanctuary is a unique stretch of deep woodland and vivid nature in Sikkim, home to various exquisite herbs and intriguing wildlife. The wildlife refuge is 36.5 square kilometres in size and reaches a maximum elevation of over 10,000 feet. The protected area is home to endangered species such as the Red Panda, Goral, Serow, Barking Deer, Marbled-Cat, Leopard-Cat, Civet-Cats, Blood Pheasant, and Black Eagle.

It is ideal for trekking because of the hard paths in the sanctuary area. It takes 4 hours to walk from Ravangla to Maenam Peak, which then leads all the way to Borong Village.

Sikip

Sikip, a picturesque village in South Sikkim and a significant tourist attraction prospering within the abundance of nature, is located 132 kilometres from Siliguri. Sikip’s strategic location along the Rangeet River adds to its allure for nature lovers. The Legship ride from Siliguri to Sikip takes about 5 hours and is largely filled with beautiful scenery. Driving down from Siliguri/Darjeeling through Jorethang is another an option.

If you enjoy fishing, then Sikip is the place to be in Sikkim. Sikkim is the ideal spot for fisherman because of its tranquil and calming environment. Another popular activity in Sikip is rafting on the Rangeet River.

On May, fishing in the Rangeet River and nature viewing are popular tourist attractions in Sikip.